Biomolecules Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts about Biomolecules, intended for exam preparation.

What are Biomolecules?

Organic molecules critical to the structure and function of living organisms, classified into carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What are Carbohydrates?

Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a 1:2:1 ratio. They are a primary source of energy and serve structural roles.

What are Lipids?

A diverse group of hydrophobic molecules that include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids. They play roles in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling.

What are Proteins?

Large molecules composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, performing functions like catalyzing biochemical reactions, structural support, transport, and communication.

What are Nucleic Acids?

Polymers made of nucleotide monomers that store and transmit genetic information and are essential for protein synthesis, such as DNA and RNA.

What is Photosynthesis?

Carbohydrates are produced in plants through this process.

What are the functions of Carbohydrates?

Used to produce ATP molecules, parts of nucleic acids, and play a role in cell structure.

What is Glyceraldehyde?

The simplest carbohydrate, which exists in two isomeric forms: D-glyceraldehyde and L-glyceraldehyde.

What are Monosaccharides?

Simplest sugars with the general formula (CH2O)n.

What is a Disaccharide?

Carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide units linked by a glycosidic bond.

What are the Physical Properties of Carbohydrates?

They are solids at room temperature, soluble in water, typically sweet-tasting, and optically active.

What are Polysaccharides?

Formed when many monosaccharides are joined together, like starch and glycogen

What is Glycogen?

Polymer of glucose stored in the liver and muscle of animals.

What is a Lipid?

Organic substance found in living systems, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; functions include energy storage, structural components, chemical messengers, vitamin carriers, and protection/insulation.

What are the Biomedical Functions of Lipids?

Energy source, structural components of cell membranes, chemical messengers, carriers of fat-soluble vitamins, protection and insulator of internal organs.

What are Triglycerides?

Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids

What is a Fatty acid?

A long hydrocarbon chain containing a carboxyl group (polar head) and a hydrocarbon chain (non-polar tail) with the general structure RCOOH.

What are the Classifications of Fatty Acids?

Basic (cannot be synthesized in the body), Non-basic (can be synthesized in the body), Saturated (no double bonds), and Unsaturated (contains double bonds).

What are Simple Lipids?

Esters of fatty acids with glycerol or higher alcohols, such as fats and oils.

What are Compound Lipids?

Esters of fatty acids with glycerol or higher alcohols; Example : Phospholipids

What are Derived Lipids?

Lipids that are derived, such as Cholesterol, which is an important steroid present in the body and is widely distributed in all cells.

What are the three major parts of Amino Acids?

Carboxyl group, amino group, and side chain (R), all attached to a central alpha carbon.

What are the Physical properties of Amino Acids?

Can form crystalline solids; may be sweet; soluble in water, acid, and base; relatively high melting points; and are Zwitterions.

What are the Classifications of Amino Acids?

Non-polar, polar, and charged (acidic or basic)

What is a Protein?

Complex substance present in all living organisms, consisting of amino acids joined together to form long chains and containing elements like oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen.

What are the Biomedical Functions of Proteins?

Transport molecules and ions, store and provide nutrients, regulate cellular activity, and defend the body.

What are the Structures of Proteins?

Primary (sequence of amino acids), Secondary (amino acids linked by hydrogen bonds), Tertiary (alpha helices and beta sheets held together by weak interactions), and Quaternary (more than one polypeptide bond).

What are the Classifications of Proteins based on shape and solubility?

Fibrous (elongated, static, simple structure) and Globular (spherical, active, specialized biological functions).

What are the Classifications of Proteins based on composition?

Simple (composed of amino acids only) and Complex/Conjugate (composed of both protein and non-protein components

What are Nucleic acids?

Organic polymers of nucleotides found in all living cells that save genetic material and transfer it from one generation to another.

What are the Types of Nucleic Acids?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA).

What is the Composition of Nucleic Acids?

Polymers of nucleotides (polynucleotides) composed of a phosphate group, a heterocyclic nitrogen base, and a monosaccharide (sugar).